Plectrum operating means

ABSTRACT

A plectrum operating means intended primarily for a harpsichord type of musical instrument in which the plectrum is caused to pluck a musical string with a force proportional to the force applied to its corresponding key, and on its return movement clear its string, the plucking movement being partly influenced by arranging the plectrum supporting assembly so as to have an eccentric mass, the inertia of which tends to move the plectrum into engagement with its string, the return movement being partially affected by gravity thereby minimizing inertial effect, and a spring force urging the plectrum clear of the string. Several embodiments are disclosed which permit different arrangements of the strings and permit tone sustention.

O Unlted States Patent 1191 1111 3,777,612 Barron 1 1 Dec. 11, 1973 1 PLECTRUM OPERATING MEANS 3,677,124 771972 O'Brien 84/258 2,808,754 10/1957 Taylor 84/258 [76] Inventor. Ellis Barron, 7924 Armour St., San 2,845,829 8,1958 Miessner 84/258 8 1 Cahf- 92111 3,455,922 7/1969 OBrien 84/258 22 Filed: Nov. 3, 1972 1 Primary ExaminerLawrence R. Franklin [21] Appl 303540 Attorney-Charles G. Lyon et al.

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. Nos. 40,273, May 25, [57] ABSTRACT 1970, abandoned, and Ser. No. 80,671, Oct. 14, 1970, and Ser. 96547 9, 1970 abandoned, A plectrum operating means intended primarily for a and No. 169,753, Aug 6, 1971, and harpsichord type of musical instrument in which the 225,713, Feb. 14, 1972, and Ser. No. 274,663, July plectrum is caused to pluck a musical string with a 24, 1972, said Ser. No. 80,671, is a force proportional to the force applied to its correcontin fl -p f M y sponding key, and on its return movement clear its @9703 1 831d 1 1 is a string, the plucking movement being partly influenced commuanonm'pan f 9615471 by arranging the plectrum supporting assembly so as 1972, apandotngd, 13nd] 659625311: a to have an eccentric mass, the inertia of which tends con mua 0 to move the plectrum into engagement with its string, 52 US. Cl. 84/258 ses"? l Pamany affected by 1ty thereby minlmizmg inertial effect, and a spring 51 Int. Cl Gl0c l/06 force urging the plectrum clear of the string [58] Field of Search 84/258 Several embodiments are disclosed which permit 5 References Cited different arrangements of the strings and permit tone UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,467,087 9/1923 Boehringer 84/258 14 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures PLECTRUM OPERATING MEANS The present application is a continuation-in-part of the following earlier filed applications which are copending, as of the filing date of this application, or were copending with respect to the present copending applications as indicated:

A. Ser. No. filed for 40,273, May 25, 1970, HARPSI- CHORD JACK ASSEMBLY now abandoned.

B. Ser. No. filed for 80,671, Oct. 14, 1970, JACK ASSEMBLY FOR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRU- MENTS, Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 40,273 now abandoned.

C. Ser. No. filed for 96,547, Dec. 9, 1970, PLEC- TRUM PIANO ACTION now abandoned.

D. Ser. No. filed for 169,753, Aug. 6, 1971, PLEC- TRUM PIANO ACTION Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 96,547 now abandoned.

E. Ser. No. filed for 225,713, Feb. 14, 1972, PLEC- TRUM PIANO ACTION F. Ser. No. filed for 274,663, July 24, 1972, PLEC- TRUM PIANO ACTION Continuation of Ser. No. 169,753 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Harpsichords and other forerunners of the piano emit sounds of only one degree of loudness; that is, regardless of the amount of force and acceleration with which the key is struck only one amplitude of tone results. Or, stated otherwise, there is no opportunity for the musician, using a harpsichord or similar instrument, to obtain a pianoforte effect as is accomplished with a piano. Still further, the conventional harpsichord cannot be played so as to mute or sustain, as desired, any note after it has been plucked.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a plectrum operating means, or plectrum jack assembly, particularly intended for harpsichord type musical instruments wherein the strings are plucked instead of being struck as in a piano, and is summarized in the following objects:

First, to provide a plectrum operating means wherein essentially all of the nuances of volume, mute effect, or sustained tone effect characteristic of a piano may be accomplished on an instrument such as a harpsichord, wherein the strings are plucked while permitting the harpsichord to be played in the conventional manner if the musician so desires.

Second, to provide a plectrum operating means which includes several embodiments which, while arranged to attain the results indicated in the preceding object, permit different disposition of the strings.

Third, to provide a plectrum operating means wherein a jack assembly carrying the plectrum and engaged by a hand operated key is arranged with an offset center of gravity so that, by reason of its inertia, when driven by the key, a biasing force is produced in proportion to the acceleration imparted by the key, which is utilized to vary the force applied by the plectrum to its string and hence vary the volume of sound.

Fourth, to provide a plectrum operating means as indicated in the preceding object wherein, on return movement, the jack assembly returns by gravity or is spring assisted in a manner to move-the plectrum clear of its string.

Fifth, to provide a plectrum operating means wherein the string may be muted or dampened on return of the plectrum to its original position or sustained individually by holding the key depressed to prevent return movement or, in certain embodiments, the entire set of plectrums may be permitted to return while permitting tone sustention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side view showing one embodiment of the plectrum operating means with portions of the supporting structure shown in section and indicating, by solid lines, the position normally occupied and, by broken lines, the position after completion of a plucking action by the plectrum.

FIG. 2 is an end view thereof showing the parts in their initial or normal position.

FIG. 3 is a similar end view showing the parts after completion of the plucking action.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical view showing several positions of the plectrum during the plucking stroke.

FIG. 5 is another diagrammatical view showing several positions of the plectrum during its return stroke.

FIG. 6 is an end view similar to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment of the plectrum operating means, the view being taken through 6-6 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 but showing the plectrum upon completion of its plucking stroke.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view thereof taken from 88 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a plan view, with portions of the supporting structure in section, of a further embodiment of the plectrum operating means adapted for operation in a horizontal direction, the view being taken in the plane 9-9 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 10 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 9 showing the plectrum upon completion of its plucking stroke.

FIG. 11 is an essentially diagrammatical side view thereof with portions of the supporting structure shown in section.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a further embodiment of the plectrum operating means, the section being taken through 12--12 of FIG. 14, the plectrum and related parts being shown in their initial or normal position.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 12 showing the plectrum and related parts after completion of the plucking stroke.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are fragmentary plan and see= tional views taken from H -14, 15==15 and 16=16 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side view of a further em= bodiment of the plectrum operating means with por= tions of the supporting structure shown in section, the view being taken through 17=17 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary plan view thereof.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary view showing a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, wherein the plectrum engages a vibratible reed rather than a musical string.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken within circle 20 of FIG. 17 showing a modified form of the drive connection between the key and the plectrum jack assembly.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a further embodiment of the plectrum operating means with portions of the support= ing structure in section, the plectrum and associated parts being shown in their normal or initial position.

FIG. 22 is a similar view thereof showing the plectrum and its related parts after completion of the plucking movement.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken from 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatical view showing the plectrum in several positions during the plucking stroke.

FIG. 25 is a similar diagrammatical view showing several positions of the plectrum during its return stroke.

Reference is first directed to FIGS. 1 through 5. The embodiment of the plectrum operating means herein illustrated is arranged on a mounting base represented by line 1. Supported thereon is a fulcrum 2, having an upstanding pin 3 over which is fitted a key lever 4, having a forward finger engaging portion 5 and a rearward plectrum jack operating end 6. Appropriate sound minimizing pads 7, 8 and 9 are provided at the ends of the key lever 4.

A jack assembly'l0, which includes a flat bar 11, extends vertically above the rearward end of the key lever. The bar extends through a lower guide member 12, having a guide aperture 13, and an upper guide member 14 having a clearance slot 15.

Extending laterally from one side of the bar 11 is a biasing mass 16, which may be in the form of a lead weight fastened directly to the bar or which may be mounted at the extremity of an arm 17, projecting laterally from the bar 11, as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 2. The opposite side of the bar 11 is provided with a stop lug 18 which, in the initial position of the jack assembly, engages the lower guide member 12. The biasing mass 16 and the stop lug 18 tend to hold the bar in a vertical position; however, the bar is capable of tilting to the extent permitted bythe clearance slot 15.

Extending upwardly from the bar 11 is a deflector spring 19, the upper end of which extends angularly and engages a deflecting spring pin 20 supported ona mounting bar 21.

Mounted on the same side of the bar 11 as the biasing mass 16, at a point either below or above the mass, is a plectrum 22. The plectrum has adownwardly and rearwardly sloping upper surface and an upward and rearwardly sloping lower surface, converging to an apex 23. The bar 11 is disposed alongside but clearing a musical string 24, and the plectrum is positioned so as to occupy an initial or normal position below the string. A jack assembly with its plectrum 22, operated by a key lever 4, is provided for each string of the musical instrument.

Operation of the embodiment of the plectrum operating means as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 is as follows:

When the key 4 is struck, the jack assembly is driven upward. The biasing mass 16 exerts a biasing force proportional to its inertia which, in turn, is in proportion to the force applied to the key. The biasing force tends to hold the bar 11 in a vertical position. The spring 19 tends to deflect the bar so that the plectrum will clear the musical string. The opposing forces are so related that, during upward movement, the upper face of the plectrum engages the string and plucks or deflects the string so as to produce a musical note, as indicated in FIG. 4. The extent of the plucking force varies in proportion to the force applied to the key so that the volume of sound produced is under the control of the musician.

When the key is released, the jack assembly falls by gravity so that the effect of the biasing mass 16 is essentially zero. This permits the spring 19 to deflect the plectrum clear of the string as it descends, as indicated in FIG. 5. The force of the spring approaches zero as the plectrum returns to its initial position, permitting the stop lug 18 to deflect the bar towards its vertical position, aided by the biasing mass 16 when the jack assembly comes to rest.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, which illustrate another embodiment of the plectrum operating means. This construction utilizes the guide members 12 and 14, as well as the key lever 4. In this construction, the jack assembly 25 includes a round bar 26 having a head 27, which carries the plectrum 22 and biasing mass 16. A muting pad 28 is provided above the plectrum. A similar pad may be provided in the previously described structure. Also, a pad 29 may be provided in the clearance slot 15.

In substitute for the stop lug 18 and spring 19, the

jack assembly is provided with a lateral bar 30, extending from the bar 26. The lower guide member 12 supports a vertical stem 31, which is received by an aperture, not shown in the lateral bar so that the lateral bar is freely slidable on the stem. A spring 32 bears downwardly on the lateral bar 30. A pad 33 may be provided at the bottom of the stem 31 and a padded stop bar structure 34 may be provided above the jack assembly to limit upward movement thereof. A similar stop bar may be used in the previously described embodiment.

Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is as follows:

When the jack assembly is in its initial or normal position, the lateral bar 30 and the biasing mass 16 function in the manner of the previously described embodiment; that is, the bar 26 is held in a vertical position with the plectrum under its corresponding string. When the key is struck and the jack assembly is driven upward, the biasing mass functions as previously described and the spring 32 performs the function of the spring 19; that is, the biasing mass exerts a force overcoming the effect of the spring sufficiently to cause the plectrum to pluck its corresponding string. On the return movement, the spring 32 tilts the bar 26 to cause the plectrum to clear its string.

Reference is now directed to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, which illustrate a horizontally disposed jack assembly, particularly suitable for a musical instrument in which the strings are disposed upright or vertical.

As indicated in FIG. 11, the key lever 35 includes a vertical arm 36, which is attached to a pull wire 37.

A jack assembly 38 is provided, having a jack rod 39 terminating in a forward head 40 for attachment to the pull wire 37, and provided with a rearward head 41, on which is mounted a plectrum 42 and muting pad 43.

The jack assembly extends through a forward guide member 44 having a guide aperture 45, and a rearward guide member 46, having a clearance slot 47.

A spring 48 is mounted on the jack rod and bears against the forward guide member to exert a rearward force on the jack rod. The jack rod is provided with a lateral bar 49 disposed forwardly of the forward guide member 44, and the forward guide member is provided with a stem ,50'which receives a spring 51 to produce a biasing forceon the jack rod 39. I

Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, and 11 is analogous to the operation of the previously described embodiments, with the spring 48 performing the function of the gravity mass 16.

Reference is now directed to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. This embodiment utilizes a key. lever 4, which in this case is shown as provided with an adjustment screw 52. The adjustment screw engages a jack assembly 53 including a cross bar 54 and a vertical rod or shaft 55, terminating in a head 56, which carries a plectrum 22 and a muting pad 43.

Disposed on the mounting base 1 in back of a set of key levers 4 is a supporting member 57 having an upwardly extending guide pin 58 for each jack assembly, which extends through an aperture provided in the rear portion of a corresponding cross bar 54. Each guide pin receives a spring 59 and may be provided with an adjustable screw head 60.

Disposed in front of the set of jack assemblies 53 is a guide member 61, having depending pins 62 which project into clearance slots 63 provided in the cross bars 54. The upper portion of the guide member 61 is also provided with guide slots 64 which receive the corresponding shafts 55 of the jack assemblies. Mounted rearwardly of the heads 56 of the jack assemblies is a padded stop bar 65, which is engaged by the rear side of each head 56 upon completion of the plucking stroke of the corresponding plectrum 22.

As will be seen from the top views 14., and 16, the strings are arranged at approximately 45 to the axes of the key levers 4, and the planes occupied by the jack assemblies are arranged approximately 45 to the key levers 4 in the opposite direction, so as to place the jack assemblies 53 at essentially right angles to the strings 24. Various other angular relationships are possible without significant change in structure. The forward portion of each cross bar 54 is provided with a biasing mass 16 to provide an inertial force opposing the corresponding spring 59.

Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 16 is as follows: 1

The operation is essentially the same as previous embodiments; that is, the jack assembly normally occupies a position with the shaft 55 extending vertically and the plectrum disposed under a corresponding string. When the jack assembly is driven upwardly, the inertial force of the biasing mass tends to hold the shaft 55 in a vertical position so as to cause the plectrum to engage its corresponding string. As previously indicated, this force is in proportion to the force applied to the key lever so that the volume of sound produced can be controlled by the musician. Also, as previously described, when the jack assembly descends to its initial position, the spring 59 tilts the jack assembly sufficiently to avoid contact with the string by its plectrum.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 17 and 18. The embodiment here shown is closely related to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. In this case, the jack assembly 66 includes an elongated horizontal member 67, corresponding to the cross bar 54, and contains a biasing mass 16 which may be a separate member, such as a metal weight, or the mass of the horizontal member 67 may be such as to accomplish this function. Extending upwardly from the horizontal members 67 is a vertical member 68, terminating in an upwardly directed guide pin 69 and provided with a plectrum 22. In this case, the plectrum is. shown as mounted on one lateral side to engage a string 24 extending parallel to the axes of the key levers 4. In this case also, the jack assembly is intended to rock or tilt laterally with respect to the longitudinal axes of the key levers. This is accomplished by use of an upper guide bar 70 having guide strips 71 provided with angularly extending slots 72, which receive the guide pins 69.

Disposed under the horizontal member 67 is a forward mounting member 73 having upstanding guide pins 74 and a rearward mounting member 75, having guide pins 76. The guide pins 76 are provided with springs 77 which provide a downward force on the rear ends of the horizontal member 67. In order to limit upward movement of the forward portion of the horizontal member 67, a stop member 78 may be provided.

The adjustment screw 52 of each key lever 4 is located under the vertical axis of the vertical member 68, as in the previously described embodiments, and the biasing means 16 functions to provide an inertial force which maintains the vertical member in its vertical path, so as to cause a plucking action. On the return movement, the force of springs 77 causes the jack assembly to tilt in a forward-rearward direction, causing the guide pin 69 to move in its guide slot 72 to effect a tilting of the jack assembly in a lateral direction as well, with the result that the plectrum clears the string as in the previously described embodiments.

The arrangement shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 permits the plectrum to be placed in different locations to accommodate different arrangements of the strings 24, such as the 45-'45 arrangement shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. Also by arrangement of the guide slots 72, the jack assembly 66 may be limited to tilting in a vertical plane. In this case, the plectrum may be located on the forward side of the vertical member, as indicated in FIG. 19, so as to engage an end of a vibrating reed 79. In this case, a set of vibrating reeds produce sounds through electronic amplification in a conventional manner.

Reference is directed to FIG. 20. In place of the adjustment screw 52, the horizontal member 67 may have a depending lug 80 joined by a pivotal connection 81 to a padded plate 81a which tends to provide ares contact with the key lever 4 by conforming to the upper surface thereof. The plate is not connected to the key lever; that is, when the key lever returns to its original position ahead of downward movement of the jack as sembly, the padded plate clears the key lever but occu= pies an essentially horizontal position for later con= forming engagement by the key lever. It should be noted that the drive point represented by the padded plate 81a is offset vertically from the center of rotation of the jack. Thus the plate 81:; will tend to slide a cer= tain distance upon key 4 during the pluck. The friction of this area contact not only aids the plucking force on the up-stroke, but aids plectrum clearance on the re= turn stroke.

Reference is now directed to FIGS. 21 through 25. The embodiment here illustrated is particularly adapted for upright musical instruments in which the strings 24 run in an inclined direction. This embodi= ment includes a mounting base 82 having a padded stop member 83 engaged by the set of key levers 4, when they are in their normal positions. Mounted above the rear portion of each key lever is a jack assembly 84 which includes an essentially horizontal upper member 85 from whichextends a rearwardly sloping depending member 86. The mid-portion of the depending member is provided with a forwardly directed horizontal extension 87, which carries an adjustment screw 88 or the padded plate 81a, as shown in FIG. 20. The adjustment screw defines an essentially vertical axis passing through the horizontal member 85 near its rearward end. I t

Each upper member 85 is supported at its ends above a forward mounting member 89 and a rearward mounting member 90. These members are provided, respectively, with upwardly extending guide pins 91 and 92. The rear guide pin 92 is provided with a spring 93 for exerting a downward force on the upper member 85 of the jack assembly, and the forward guide pin 91 is provided with a head 94 to limit upward movement of the upper member 85. The upper or horizontal member 85 is also provided with a set screw 95. Extending under the series of horizontal members 85 is a tone sustaining bar 96 which engages the series of set screws 95. The tone sustaining bar 96 is mounted for pivotal movement about the axis of a shaft 97 and is suitably connected to a foot control, not shown.

The lower end of each depending member 86 is provided with a depending guide pin 98, which is limited to forward and rearward motion by a slotted strip 99. Mounted adjacent its lower end on the rearward side of the depending member 86 is a plectrum 22 and a muting pad 43 for engagement with a string 24. As will be noted in FIG. 23, the upper surface of each plectrum is tilted to correspond to the angular position of the string 24.

As is the case with other embodiments previously described, the horizontal or upper member 85 has a greater mass forwardly of the vertical axis, including the adjustment screw 88, than rearwardly thereof. This may be accomplished by the construction of the jack assembly itself or by the addition of a biasing mass 16. Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 through 25 is as follows: 1

When the jack assembly 84 is driven upward, the inertia of the jack assembly forward of its vertical axis, defined by the adjustment screw 88, maintains the plectrum in position for engagement with its corresponding string. The force exerted is in proportion to the force applied to the key lever by the musician, the movement being essentially as indicated in FIG. 24. During return movement, the spring 93 causes the plectrum to clear the string as indicated in FIG. 25.

When the jack assembly 84 returns to its initial position, the muting pad 43 comes in contact with the corresponding string 24 to stop further sound. However, if it is desired to sustain the sound, the bar 96 is raised to engage the set screws 95 which maintain the jack assembly 84 in its angular position holding the muting pad clear of its corresponding string. The adjustment is such that even in this condition, theplectrum is disposed in part underneath the string so that even though the tone is sustained, repeated plucking action may be attained.

It will be noted that each of the embodiments accomplish the same objective; that is, the sound producing vibratible elements or strings or reeds are caused to produce a volume of sound proportional to the force applied to the keys by the musician. During return stroke, each plectrum is guided clear of its corresponding vibratible elements. In each of the embodiments,

this is accomplished by ajack assembly and yieldable means acting thereon in opposition in such a manner that the plectrum plucks its corresponding string, as a result of the force applied on the key member, and on the return stroke cooperates to guide the plectrum clear of the string.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to limit the same to the details of the constructions set forth, but instead, the invention embraces such changes, modifications and equivalents of the various parts and their relationships as come within the purview of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A plectrum means for musical instruments having a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the

plectrum means comprising:

a. a jack means including a cross bar and a plectrum element supporting member extending upwardly therefrom;

b. means for supporting the jack means for limited translation and tilting movements;

c. a plectrum element at the upper end of the supporting member;

d. a manually operable means for engaging the jack means and tending to cause translatory movement thereof and to cause plucking engagement of the plectrum with a corresponding sound producing vibratible element;

e. a spring engaging one lateral portion of the cross bar and opposing the manually operable means to effect return movement of the plectrum element past its corresponding vibratible element, the spring applying a force tending to tilt the jack means in a direction to clear its corresponding vibratible means.

f. a gravity responsive mass included in the opposite lateral portion of the cross bar, the inertia of which opposes the spring during plucking movement of the plectrum.

2. A plectrum means as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. means having a guide slot extending in angular relation to the cross bar is disposed above the jack means;

b. and an extension of the plectrum supporting element is received therein to guide the plectrum in a path for engagement with a corresponding vibratible element disposed in angular relation to the cross bar.

3. In a musical instrument of the plectrum piano type,

the combination of:

a horizontal support, a vertical guide pin fixed in said support, a jack arm resting on said support and circumposed on said guide pin so as to allow free vertical and vertical rocking motion of said jack arm,

a helical spring mounted axially on said guide pin and restrained upwardly by a threadably adjustable nut thereon and bearing downwardly upon said jack arm, a second vertical guide pin dependingly mounted in a second horizontal support and slideably received in a slot in the opposite end of said jack arm for the purpose of limiting the horizontal motion thereof, a rod or wire fixed at a right angle to said jack arm and forming the body of the jack, said rod extending upwardly to a vlbrateable string, a slotted guide slideably receiving said body rod near the upper end thereof for the purpose of limlt= ingthe lateral motion thereof, a jack head mounted on said rod and carrying a downwardly inclined plectrum for plucking said string, a resilient damper pad mounted on said jack head and abutting said string in the rest position, for the purpose of stopping the sound thereof, and a felt pad mounted on the underside of said jack arm to receive the motion of a conventional capstan screw and key-lever, such that the loudness of pluck is dependent on key-lever velocity.

4. The combination with a musical instrument having sponding sound producing element.

9. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. the inertial mass means is disposed above the plectrum;

b. the deflecting means is disposed below the plectrum;

c. and the plectrum is disposed adjacent the thrust axis.

10. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. the jack assembly andsound producing elements a plurality of sound producing elements vibratible at different frequencies, of a plucking means for each sound producing element, comprising:

are disposed in opposite angular relation to the key means. 11. A plucking means as defined in claim 4, wherein:

a. a plectrum element;

b. key means having a driving end producing a variable upward force corresponding to the manual force applied to the key means;

0. a jack assembly carrying the plectrum element, the

jack assembly having means engagaged by the driving end of the key means to move the plectrum upwardly from an initial position to pluck a sound producing element and return the plectrum to its initial position;

d. inertial mass means included in the jack assembly and offset both laterally and axially from the engaged means of the jack assembly to produce an inertial force in proportion to the manual force applied to key key means, said inertial mass means transmitting to the jack assembly the inertial force in a direction to resist lateral deflection to effect a corresponding plucking force whereby the sound intensity produced varies with the manual force applied to the key means, the inertial mass means exhibiting minimal inertial effect during return movement of the plectrum;

e. and means included in the jack assembly for deflecting the plectrum during its return movement clear of its sound producing element.

5. A plucking means as defined in claim 4 wherein:

a. the jack assembly defines an essentially vertical thrust axis passing through the region of engagement by the key means;

b. the inertial mass means is disposed at one side of the thrust axis;

0. and the deflecting means includes a spring disposed at the other side of the thrust axis.

6. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. the inertial mass means and the deflecting means are disposed above the region of engagement of the jack assembly by the key means, and respectively in a forward and rearward position thereto;

b. and the plectrum is disposed below and rearward of said region.

7. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a. the inertial mass means, the deflecting means and the plectrum are disposed above the region of engagement of the jack assembly by the key means, the plectrum being disposed above the inertial mass means and deflecting means, adjacent the thrust axis.

8. A plucking means as defined in claim 7, wherein:

a. the jack assembly and sound producing elements are disposed in alignment with the key means;

b. and pin and slot means effects lateral tilting of the jack assembly upon operation of the deflecting means to cause the plectrum to clear its correa. a muting pad carried by the jack assembly is disposed adjacent the plectrum for engagement with its sound producing element when the plectrum is in its initial position;

b. and manually operated means is engageable with the jack assembly to shift the muting pad clear of the sound producing element when the plectrum returns to its initial position.

12. A plectrum means for musical instruments having a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the plectrum means comprising:

a. a jack means including a cross bar, a depending spectrum supporting bar, and a force receiving member forming a vertical thrust axis intermediate the ends of the cross bar;

b. means for supporting the jack means for limited translation and tilting movements;

c. a plectrum element carried by the jack means;

d. an operating means for engaging the jack means and tending to cause translatory movement thereof and to cause plucking engagement of the plectrum with a corresponding sound producing vibratible element;

e. a first means on one side of the thrust axis opposing the manually operable means and urging the plectrum element into engagement with its corresponding vibratible element;

f. and a second means on the other side of the thrust axis opposing the manually operable means to effect return movement of the plectrum element past its corresponding vibratible element, the second means applying a force tending to tilt the jack means in a direction to clear its corresponding vibratible means. 13. A plectrum means as defined in claim 12,

wherein:

wherein:

a. the first means is a gravity responsive mass incorporated in the cross bar at one side of the thrust axis to apply an inertial force urging engagement of the plectrum element with its corresponding vibratible element in proportion to the force applied by the operating means. 

1. A plectrum means for musical instruments having a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the plectrum means comprising: a. a jack means including a cross bar and a plectrum element supporting member extending upwardly therefrom; b. means for supporting the jack means for limited translation and tilting movements; c. a plectrum element at the upper end of the supporting member; d. a manually operable means for engaging the jack means and tending to cause translatory movement thereof and to cause plucking engagement of the plectrum with a corresponding sound producing vibratible element; e. a spring engaging one lateral portion of the cross bar and opposing the manually operable means to effect return movement of the plectrum element past its corresponding vibratible element, the spring applying a force tending to tilt the jack means in a direction to clear its corresponding vibratible means. f. a gravity responsive mass included in the opposite lateral portion of the cross bar, the inertia of which opposes the spring during plucking movement of the plectrum.
 2. A plectrum means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. means having a guide slot extending in angular relation to the cross bar is disposed above the jack means; b. and an extension of the plectrum supporting element is received therein to guide the plectrum in a path for engagement with a corresponding vibratible element disposed in angular relation to the cross bar.
 3. In a musical instrument of the plectrum piano type, the combination of: a horizontal support, a vertical guide pin fixed in said support, a jack arm resting on said support and circumposed on said guide pin so as to allow free vertical and vertical rocking motion of said jack arm, a helical spring mounted axially on said guide pin and restrained upwardly by a threadably adjustable nut thereon and bearing downwardly upon said jack arm, a second vertical guide pin dependingly mounted in a second horizontal support and slideably received in a slot in the opposite end of said jack arm for the purpose of limiting the horizontal motion thereof, a rod or wire fixed at a right angle to said jack arm and forming the body of the jack, said rod extending upwardly to a vibrateable string, a slotted guide slideably receiving said body rod near the upper end thereof for the purpose of limiting the lateral motion thereof, a jack head mounted on said rod and carrying a downwardly inclined plectrum for plucking said string, a resilient damper pad mounted on said jack head and abutting said string in the rest position, for the purpose of stopping the sound thereof, and a felt pad mounted on the underside of said jack arm to receive the motion of a conventional capstan screw and key-lever, such that the loudness of pluck is dependent on key-lever velocity.
 4. The combination with a musical instrument having a plurality of sound producing elements vibratible at different frequencies, of a plucking means for each sound producing element, comprising: a. a plectrum element; b. key means having a driving end producing a variable upward force corresponding to the manual force applied to the key means; c. a jack assembly carrying the plectrum element, the jack assembly having means engagaged by the driving end of the key means to move the plectrum upwardly from an initial position to pluck a sound producing element and return the plectrum to its initial position; d. inertial mass means included in the jack assembly and offset both laterally and axially from the engaged means of the jack assembly to produce an inertial force in proportion to the manual force applied to key key means, said inertial mass means transmitting to the jack assembly the inertial force in a direction to resist lateral deflection to effect a corresponding plucking force whereby the sound intensity produced varies with the manual force applied to the key means, the inertial mass means exhibiting minimal inertial effect during return movement of the plectrum; e. and means included in the jack assembly for deflecting the plectrum during its return movement clear of its sound producing element.
 5. A plucking means as defined in claim 4 wherein: a. the jack assembly defines an essentially vertical thrust axis passing through the region of engagement by the key means; b. the inertial mass means is disposed at one side of the thrust axis; c. and the deflecting means includes a spring disposed at the other side of the thrust axis.
 6. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the inertial mass means and the deflecting means are disposed above the region of engagement of the jack assembly by the key means, and respectively in a forward and rearward position thereto; b. and the plectrum is disposed below and rearward of said region.
 7. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the inertial mass means, the deflecting means and the plectrum are disposed above the region of engagement of the jack assembly by the key means, the plectrum being disposed above the inertial mass means and deflecting means, adjacent the thrust axis.
 8. A plucking means as defined in claim 7, wherein: a. the jack assembly and sound producing elements are disposed in alignment with the key means; b. and pin and slot means effects lateral tilting of the jack assembly upon operation of the deflecting means to cause the plectrum to clear its corresponding sound producing element.
 9. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the inertial mass means is disposed above the plectrum; b. the deflecting means is disposed below the plectrum; c. and the plectrum is disposed adjacent the thrust axis.
 10. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: a. the jack assembly and sound producing elements are disposed in opposite angular relation to the key means.
 11. A plucking means as defined in claim 4, wherein: a. a muting pad carried by the jack assembly is disposed adjacent the plectrum for engagement with its sound producing element when the plectrum is in its initial position; b. and manually operated means is engageable with the jack assembly to shift the muting pad clear of the sound producing element when the plectrum returns to its initial position.
 12. A plectrum means for musical instruments having a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the plectrum means comprising: a. a jack means including a cross bar, a depending spectrum supporting bar, and a force receiving member forming a vertical thrust axis intermediate the ends of the cross bar; b. means for supporting the jack means for limited translation and tilting movements; c. a plectrum element carried by the jack means; d. an operating means for engaging the jack means and tending to cause translatory movement thereof and to cause plucking engagement of the plectrum with a corresponding sound producing vibratible element; e. a first means on one side of the thrust axis opposing the manually operable means and urging the plectrum element into engagement with its corresponding vibratible element; f. and a second means on the other side of the thrust axis opposing the manually operable means to effect return movement of the plectrum element past its corresponding vibratible element, the second means applying a force tending to tilt the jack means in a direction to clear its corresponding vibratible means.
 13. A plectrum means as defined in claim 12, wherein: a. a pad is disposed adjacent the plectrum element for engagement with the corresponding vibratible element when the jack means is at rest thereby to dampen vibration thereof; b. and means is provided for engagement with the jack means for holding the pad clear of its vibratible element to permit resonance of the vibratible element.
 14. A plectrum means as defined in claim 12, wherein: a. the first means is a gravity responsive mass incorporated in the cross bar at one side of the thrust axis to apply an inertial force urging engagement of the plectrum element with its corresponding vibratible element in proportion to the force applied by the operating means. 